Tuesday, July 10, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Jacque Secondine Hensley of Tulsa as Native American liaison within the governor’s office. In 2011, legislation eliminated the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission and established the executive branch position of Native American liaison.
The Native American liaison serves as an advisor to the governor on Native American affairs with areas of responsibility as designated by the governor including monitoring compacts between Oklahoma and tribal governments, monitoring consultations and interactions between state agencies and tribal governments, as well as continuing the outreach between the governor’s office and tribal governments.
“Oklahoma’s tribes have a valuable and unique impact on Oklahoma’s economy and our culture,” Fallin said. “My administration has always worked closely with Oklahoma’s tribes and will continue to do so in the future. The appointment of Jacque Secondine Hensley as Native American liaison will further enhance the partnership and communication between the governor’s office and Oklahoma’s tribes. Jacque is hardworking, knowledgeable and I’m happy to have her join our team. Her experience working with tribal governments as a special agent for the BIA will serve her well in her new role as Native American liaison.”
Hensley, a member of the Kaw Nation, is currently a special agent for the Department of Defense where she investigates suspected cases of fraud of military contracts and health care. She previously worked as a special agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), where she focused primarily on investigating cases of child abuse. She also served as an adjunct professor at the Indian Police Academy in Artesia, NM, where she instructed law enforcement officers on investigating cases of child abuse. She served as the president of the State Child Protection Team in Oklahoma and is an active member of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association.
“I am grateful to Governor Fallin for the opportunity to serve in her administration as Native American liaison,” Hensley said. “I look forward to building upon the positive relationships between the governor’s office, state agencies and Oklahoma’s tribal governments.”
Hensley received a bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Tulsa.